i'm so stupid, i didn't use retin-A 6 weeks prior, and i'm having my chemical (hetter/phenol) peel/dermabrasion tomorrow! i want to kick myself in the head. the doctor didn't discuss it with me or give me a prescription so i didn't think that i needed it... but after i read through my 'instructions' today, it said that i was supposed to have started using it weeks ago.

I've never had a hetter/phenol peel before so I can't speak from experience but, I think you'll be fine. I know some people have said using retin-a AFTER a peel can make the results better. However, I also know retin-a is used prior to procedures to kind of prep the skin for less pigmentation complications. If you are fair skinned it shouldn't matter.

If the doctor didn't give it to you, then you probably don't need it. Don't worry about the instructions so much as they are usually just templates. I am 100% sure you will heal fine.

i'm so stupid, i didn't use retin-A 6 weeks prior, and i'm having my chemical (hetter/phenol) peel/dermabrasion tomorrow! i want to kick myself in the head. the doctor didn't discuss it with me or give me a prescription so i didn't think that i needed it... but after i read through my 'instructions' today, it said that i was supposed to have started using it weeks ago.

do you guys think i'll be ok? will i heal alright?

You don't need to use Retin-A before a phenol peel, especially if have fitzpatric type 1-2 skin.

Retin-A is a prep, usually used with hydroquinone to prep darker skinned people from developing hyperpigmentation from procedures.

The worry with phenol really isn't hyperpigmentation anyway, its HYPOpigmentation.Do you know what you are getting yourself into?

Is your doctor using a buffered phenol to prevent hypOpigmentation?

You know getting a traditional phenol peel in almost 100 percent of the time leads to hypopigmentation right?

Did you do all your homework? doesn't sound like it, you should consider cancelling the appointment tomorrow, like seriously no joke. Better to be safe then have your melanocytes killed off for LIFE. It is permanent.